News

The Nov. 30 release of a February 2010 memo on the development of property at First and Main streets in Los Altos has reignited debate over the site’s sale.

Downtown property owner Kim Cranston sued to force the memo’s release. In the memo, then-Economic Development Coordinator Anne Stedler claimed that at least one developer other than the Jeffrey A. Morris Group showed interest in acquiring the property.

In a statement announcing release of the memo, city officials contended that they halted ongoing negotiations with Morris for a week to allow the new developer to come forward. According to the city, the developer failed to do so.

Cranston said the memo underscores that city staff misled the council into believing there was no other interest. Morris has since purchased the property and secured approval for a two-story, two-unit, 31,000-square-foot office and retail project, with construction set for next year.

Included in the Town Crier’s online edition at www.losaltosonline.com this week is a copy of the memo, along with a timeline tracking the history of the controversial property.